The incident began with the arrest of a 24-year-old woman yesterday in Basurto Hospital, where she was taken into custody on allegations of kidnapping a newborn. The Basque police force, known as the Ertzaintza, carried out the operation after a description of the suspect and the events surrounding the alleged crime. Security authorities confirmed the photograph and routine procedures were followed as part of the initial investigation, and the suspect was placed in custody at the Deusto police station for processing. At the time of reporting, authorities indicated there is no immediate court date set, though steps in the legal process were underway.
According to officials, the suspect allegedly targeted a delivery room at Basurto Hospital, located in Bilbao, and attempted to mimic medical staff. The claim is that the individual wore attire reminiscent of healthcare workers and presented herself as part of an ongoing medical procedure in order to gain access to the newborn. The event reportedly occurred in the early morning hours, with the newborn ultimately taken from the ward and placed with a caregiver who was believed to be part of the hospital community. The child, a newborn only a few hours old, was moved to a separate residence by the suspect before leaving the hospital premises on her own timetable, which raised alarms among staff and visitors in the area.
Following the alleged abduction, the suspect, who resided nearby, was traced and arrested within a short window of time. Local witnesses and residents in the Zorroza neighborhood reported having seen the individual in the vicinity of the Plaza El Carmen area in Santutxu, where the suspect allegedly interacted with acquaintances and attempted to reinforce the belief that she was pregnant. The rapid sequence of events prompted a coordinated response from the Ertzaintza, with patrol officers and detectives working together to verify timelines, gather testimonies, and secure the infant’s safety. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a clear motive and the sequence of actions that led to the alleged kidnapping.
The case has drawn attention from regional security officials who provided details during an official briefing. Authorities described the process of documenting the incident, collecting forensic evidence, and interviewing hospital staff, family members, and residents who may have information relevant to the case. The inquiry focuses on several questions: Was the suspect intent on abducting the baby for personal reasons, or was she attempting to exploit a moment of vulnerability in a hospital setting? Were there co-conspirators or accomplices involved in the operation, and what networks, if any, supported the alleged crime? Police officials indicated that this is an ongoing investigation and that additional updates would be released as investigations proceed. While the suspect remains in custody, court appearances have not yet been scheduled for the near term, with authorities cautioning that procedural timelines can vary as evidence is reviewed and witnesses are questioned. (Authorities, Basque Police)